A SHOPAHOLIC has showcased the results of her “designer” haul from Turkey.
The popular holiday destination has long been regarded as the “capital of fakes” among Brits looking to rock designer styles for the price of a coffee.
A quick four hour flight could land you in a bustling market flogging “Gucci belts” for £3 and Louis “Fuitton” handbags for £20.
Content creator Collien recently visited Antalya – recognised as the “capital of tourism” in Turkey – for a dupe shopping spree.
She returned with a brand new wardrobe, complete with a collection of copycat handbags.
Among them was a rendition of Chloé’s Woody leather and linen tote worth £950 and a copy of Louis Vuitton’s £1,900 Nano Speedy Bag in denim.
Collien also picked up two imitations of the Longchamp £120 Le Pliage Original Large Shoulder Bag in navy and beige hues.
Taking to TikTok in a video which has since surpassed one million views, she attracted thousands of comments.
Dupe shoppers were most intrigued by Collien’s Goyard Saint Louis PM Tote dupes.
These bags are not available to buy online and most shoppers will opt to buy them second-hand to the tune of £1,800 upwards.
Collien reportedly picked up the copycat bags for just £13.
Among her other bargains were a pair of faux Chanel sunglasses, imitations of White Fox hoodies and even football shirts.
“I might go to Turkey just to upgrade my wardrobe,” one viewer commented on the viral video.
“That would’ve all cost over £10,000 brand new,” another suggested.
However, not every viewer agreed with the practice of buying designer knock-offs.
“This could never be me,” one critic said.
In Turkey, buying counterfeit goods is generally considered illegal.
If you buy a counterfeit product for personal use, you’re unlikely to be prosecuted against – unless your purchase involves a significant quantity or the intent to resell.
Customs authorities have the power to stop and seize counterfeit goods entering or leaving Turkey.
That means they can stop you upon your return home and seize any designer dupes you’ve bought on holiday.
“If you can’t afford the real deal, you shouldn’t have the fake,” another penned.
Turkey is the third biggest exporter of counterfeit products to the EU, following only China and Hong Kong.
While it is illegal for suppliers to produce counterfeit goods, it isn’t illegal for shoppers to purchase them.
However, customs authorities have the power to stop and seize counterfeit goods entering or leaving Turkey.
And that includes from tourists trying to take them home.
